Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer in Liberty Square in Castel Gandolfo on July 13, 2025. The Pope stated that to live forever, one must serve life, not cheat death. Leo XIV addressed the crowd from the parvis of the apostolic palace, a departure from his predecessors. The Pope commented on the Gospel of the day, emphasizing the importance of serving others and bringing hope.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV visited Castel Gandolfo on July 13, 2025, to celebrate Mass and lead the Angelus prayer in Liberty Square, in front of the Apostolic Palace 1. This occasion marked a return to the historic papal summer residence, which had been largely unused by his predecessor, Pope Francis 1. Pope Leo XIV chose to deliver his address from the parvis of the Apostolic Palace, a departure from the usual practice of his predecessors who often spoke from an upper window 1.
During his address before the Marian prayer, Pope Leo XIV commented on the day's Gospel, emphasizing that "serving life" is the supreme law, which precedes and gives meaning to all social rules 1. He described eternal life as a legacy from father to son, not something to be conquered or begged for 1. The Pope highlighted Jesus as the revelation of true love, which gives, forgives, helps, and never abandons, urging everyone to become a neighbor to those they encounter and bring consolation and hope to the discouraged 1. Following the prayer, the Pope engaged in lengthy conversations with the faithful and officials present, expressing his happiness to be among them 1.
Pope Leo XIV is currently spending two weeks at Villa Barberini, another Vatican extraterritorial villa, for a period of rest, prayer, and study 1. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had opted to spend his vacations at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, leading to the conversion of the Castel Gandolfo Apostolic Palace into a museum and part of its gardens into Borgo Laudato Si' 1.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV engaged with young people from the Castel Gandolfo parish and, according to a source, promised to participate in one of their basketball games 1. He also mentioned that a tennis match, a sport he particularly enjoys, would take place "when the rain stops" 1. This engagement aligns with the Pope's known interest in sports, as he has previously spoken about the topic and met with top tennis player Jannik Sinner 1.
How does the Church define service and hope?
The Catholic Church defines service as a fundamental aspect of Christian life, deeply rooted in the example of Jesus Christ, who "came not to be served but to serve" . This service is an expression of charity and is intimately linked with faith . Hope, on the other hand, is defined as a theological virtue by which believers desire and confidently await eternal life and the means to attain it, trusting in Christ's promises and the grace of the Holy Spirit .
Service in the Church is understood as a selfless dedication to others, particularly the vulnerable, and is seen as a direct imitation of Christ's life and ministry .
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of service. He "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" . His actions, from His birth in Bethlehem to His washing of the disciples' feet and laying down His life, illustrate God's love for humanity through service . The Church is called to reproduce this model of service in its own life and ministry, acting in a spirit of service to the human family, which is seen as serving Christ Himself .
Hope is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith and charity, directly infused into the soul by God .
Hope is defined as the theological virtue by which believers desire the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as their ultimate happiness . This desire is coupled with a confident expectation of obtaining it, not through one's own strength, but by placing trust in Christ's promises and relying on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit . Its immediate object is God, and it is a supernatural virtue that transcends natural human capabilities .